Halo of light to surround city landmarks for Matariki 2017

To celebrate Māori New Year,
Aucklanders will see landmarks across their city illuminated
in an orange halo.

Rising from its centre, the Sky Tower
will bathe the city in colours reminiscent of the breaking
dawn. The Sky Tower will remain lit up from festival launch,
Saturday 10 June, until the Te Korakora on Federal festival,
Thursday 22 June.

“We’re proud to have our iconic Sky
Tower as the centrepiece of Matariki, a sight Aucklanders
can enjoy from many different vantage points – from Te
Atatu Peninsula to Takapuna, Mt Albert to Mission Bay,”
says John Mortensen, Chief Operating Officer, SKYCITY
Entertainment Group.

Watch the eastern sea wall of the
Viaduct transform into a mesmerising wonderland as it casts
a golden glow across the harbour. Viaduct Harbour together
with Philips Lighting will work to harness the creative
potential of this new permanent lighting installation
designed by Angus Muir. For the duration of Matariki,
between 6 - 11pm the sea wall lighting will take on the
added effect of stars to echo the Matariki constellation
rising in the north east.

Viaduct Harbour Holdings Chief
Executive, Angela Bull, says, “we’re excited Viaduct
Harbour’s lighting installation is complete just in time
for Auckland’s celebration of Matariki. There is nothing
more festive than lighting and it’s a fantastic way to
draw people together to enjoy our city during
winter.”

Framing the city’s cultural hub, Aotea
Square, a special light show will also illuminate the
Auckland Town Hall with images from host iwi artists Star,
Aroha and Ra Gossage. The Ngāti Manuhiri wahine tell their
story in a captivating narrative stretching across past,
present and future as a tribute to their late father Peter
Gossage and their iwi.

Auckland Museum’s building and
Auckland Transport’s Te Ara I Whiti cycleway will also
shine in honour of Matariki’s star cluster along with
another fourteen buildings and landmarks to mark the start
of Tāmaki Makaurau’s three week mid-winter
festival.

“This year, thanks to the huge support from
local businesses and organisations getting in behind the
Matariki Festival, we’re able to bring this beautiful
sunrise colour to life throughout the city and start the
festival on a bright note,” says Councillor Cathy Casey,
Community Development and Safety Committee Chair.

“The
colour is significant because at this time of year the
Matariki constellation rises in the north east near the same
point on the horizon as the sun. “

Auckland building
owners and managers are encouraged to join the festivities
if they are able and light up in celebration.

This
year’s festival, hosted by Ngāti Manuhiri, begins on 10
June with a dawn karakia at Tāwharanui Regional Park with
celebrations running until 2 July.

More than 100 events
will be running across the Auckland region during the
Matariki Festival celebrating Māori culture, art,
entertainment, and food.

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